Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are designed to be compressed for short periods of time, such as when they are being carried during a hike. However, storing a sleeping bag in a compressed state for an extended period can damage its insulation and reduce its effectiveness in trapping body heat, which is essential for keeping you warm. Therefore, it is recommended to store sleeping bags uncompressed in a large bag or hung by a loop in a dry and temperature-controlled environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long can a sleeping bag be stored in a compression bag? | It is not recommended to store a sleeping bag in a compression bag for longer than a few days or a week. However, some users have reported using a sleeping bag that was stored in a compression bag for 25 years without any issues. |
| Effect of compression on longevity | Compressing a sleeping bag can reduce its longevity, with the extent of compression and duration of storage being factors that determine the amount of damage. |
| Alternative to compression sacks | A stuff sack can be used to keep the sleeping bag small without tightly compressing it. A large stuff sack can also fill the nooks and crannies of a backpack more efficiently. |
| Moisture and temperature considerations | It is important to keep the sleeping bag dry and clean while storing, especially when stuffed. Moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag, so avoid damp and unheated spaces. |
| Drying the sleeping bag | It is recommended to dry the sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage. The bag should be fully unzipped and hung over a line or a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours, avoiding direct sunlight. |
| Washing the sleeping bag | Washing the sleeping bag periodically is recommended to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt that can compromise performance. Avid backpackers should wash the bag once a season. |
| Storage sack recommendations | The best storage sack is a roomy cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with. This bag contains the sleeping bag without compressing the fill while allowing air circulation. |
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What You'll Learn
It's best to avoid long-term storage when compressed
While sleeping bags can be compressed for short periods, it is best to avoid long-term storage when compressed. This is because the longer a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state, the more it will lose its loftiness and become less resilient. This is true for both down and synthetic sleeping bags, although synthetics tend to fare worse.
One source suggests that the longer a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state, the more check marks against its longevity. However, another source claims that compression sacks are not inherently bad for sleeping bags and that decent gear is more robust than one might think.
It is worth noting that some sleeping bags are shipped and sold in compression sacks, so it is not necessarily harmful to store them in this way in the short term. However, if a sleeping bag is left in a compressed state for several months, it can lose its loftiness and resiliency. This is because compressing a sleeping bag can cause damage to the barbs and barbules of the feathers, which will decrease loft over time.
Additionally, if a sleeping bag is not dried out between trips, mould and mildew can grow on the surface and inside the insulation. Therefore, it is important to always dry a sleeping bag on a low heat setting and to wash it periodically to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt, which can compromise performance.
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Don't compress when wet
While compressing your sleeping bag makes it more compact and easier to pack, doing so for extended periods can negatively impact its insulation and loft. This is because the down in your sleeping bag needs space to retain heat. Compressing your sleeping bag for too long can cause the down to become clumpy and less effective at providing insulation.
Additionally, if your bag is stored in a damp or humid environment, it can increase the risk of developing mildew, mold, and unpleasant odours. These issues can not only be unpleasant during your next camping trip, but they can also damage the down's loft and insulation capabilities, reducing the sleeping bag's overall effectiveness.
Therefore, it is important to ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before you compress it or store it away. If you compress your sleeping bag when it is wet, you could be trapping moisture in the bag, creating an environment for mold and mildew to grow. This will not only damage the sleeping bag but could also be harmful to your health.
Furthermore, the act of compressing a wet sleeping bag can cause the moisture to be pushed into the smaller areas of the bag, making it more difficult to dry and increasing the chances of mold and mildew growth.
To avoid these issues, always ensure your sleeping bag is dry before compressing it, and try to avoid compressing it for longer than necessary. If you need to store your sleeping bag for an extended period, consider hanging it in a closet or laying it out on a couch to avoid compressing it for too long.
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Keep the bag clean and dry
Keeping your sleeping bag clean and dry is essential for its longevity and insulation properties. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Cleaning
- Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes.
- Consult the bag maker's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
- Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, preferably in a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator.
- If using a machine, opt for a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a small amount of appropriate soap, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or a gentle, non-detergent soap.
- Rinse the bag at least twice to ensure the removal of all cleaning agents.
- Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as they can damage the bag's material and reduce its non-flammability.
- Dry the bag thoroughly before placing it in its storage bag. Drying can be done in a dryer or by air-drying.
- If using a dryer, add two to three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to help break up any clumps of insulation and restore loft.
- If air-drying, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid stressing the fabric.
- Reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to the bag's shell to help keep it cleaner and improve water repellency.
Drying
- Always allow your sleeping bag to air out and dry completely before storing it, especially after a camping trip.
- Unzip the bag and hang it up or lay it out to ensure it is entirely dry.
- Avoid storing your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this can lead to damage over time.
- Opt for loose storage in a large cotton or mesh sack to allow for better air circulation and prevent mildew growth.
- If using a compression sack, ensure the bag is completely dry before compressing, as compressing a wet bag can cause issues.
- Consider using a stuff sack with your compressed bag for added moisture protection.
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Don't compress too tightly
While it is convenient to keep your sleeping bag compressed for travel or storage, it is important to remember that doing so for extended periods can impact its longevity. The general consensus is that compressing your sleeping bag for a few days should not cause any issues. However, it is recommended to avoid keeping it tightly compressed for longer than a week.
The key is to avoid over-compressing your sleeping bag. When packing, only compress it as tightly as needed and for as long as necessary. Aim to pack it as loosely as your available space allows. This is because the tighter and longer the compression, the greater the potential damage to the sleeping bag. Over-compressing can lead to loft degradation, causing the bag to lose its resiliency and ability to loft over time.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep your sleeping bag dry, especially when it is compressed and stored. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, compromising the performance of the bag. Always ensure your bag is thoroughly dried before storing it, and avoid storing it in damp or unventilated areas.
Some people prefer to use a stuff sack instead of a compression sack to keep their sleeping bag compact. A stuff sack can keep your bag small without compressing it excessively, and it can also provide moisture and cut protection. It is also worth noting that compression sacks can be heavier than simple stuff sacks.
In summary, while it is possible to keep your sleeping bag compressed, it is important to do so sparingly and not for extended periods. The best practice is to compress it only when necessary and to provide adequate ventilation and storage conditions to maintain its longevity.
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Unpack and air out between uses
Sleeping bags should be unpacked and aired out between uses. This is because, while down sleeping bags can be compressed and squeezed to a small fraction of their size, they should not be stored in a compressed state for long periods. If a sleeping bag is left in a compressed state for several months, it will lose its lofting ability and resiliency. This is due to damage to the barbs and barbules of the feathers, which decreases loft over time.
To avoid this, sleeping bags should be stored as open as possible when not in use. This means unpacking and airing out the bag between uses. If the bag has been used on a trip, it should be washed and dried before being stored. Body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance, so it is recommended that sleeping bags are washed periodically—every few years for occasional use, or once a season for avid backpackers.
When drying a sleeping bag, it is important to dry it on a low heat setting and to check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. It should be fully unzipped and hung over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. It is important not to leave the bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. The bag should be turned inside out for the first 4 hours and then turned back for the remaining 4 hours to aid the drying process. If there is no outdoor space available, the bag can be hung in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
While it is important to unpack and air out sleeping bags between uses, it is also important to avoid over-packing and unpacking the bag when not in use. Multiple compression-decompression cycles can be more damaging than keeping the bag compressed. Therefore, a balance should be struck between keeping the bag uncompressed when possible, and avoiding unnecessary packing and unpacking.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not keep your sleeping bag compressed for storage. This will cause it to lose its loft and ability to trap body heat and keep you warm.
You should store your sleeping bag in a large bag that contains it but doesn't compress it, or hang it by the loop. It is also important to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
The best way to dry your sleeping bag is to hang it outdoors or in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area for 6 to 24 hours. If you are using a dryer, check the manufacturer's recommendations on time and temperature, as high heat can damage delicate shell materials.
Yes, you can purchase a synthetic bag that is specifically designed to be crush-proof, such as Wiggy's SuperLight, which offers a lifetime warranty. Another option is to store your sleeping bag in a loose stuff sack, which is preferred by many sleeping bag manufacturers.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag periodically, especially if you are an avid backpacker. Washing your bag helps to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt that can compromise its performance and insulation properties. Aim to wash it at least once a season or every few years, depending on the frequency of use.
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